More right-hand drive cars to enter Vietnam

2009-11-10 (GMT + 7)

Foreigners from countries with left-hand traffic systems will be allowed to bring their right-hand drive vehicles into Vietnam with permission from the Ministry of Transport as from November 15, a new decree said.

Currently, such cars have to follow caravan tours and are only allowed to enter the country through seven border gates in the central region.

Under the new decree, foreign individuals and organizations entering Vietnam from countries with left-hand traffic systems must have diplomatic agencies or intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam forward their application to the Transport Ministry.

The applications have to clarify the purpose of the visit and include documents showing the vehicles’ registrations, drivers’ licenses and other documents certifying that the vehicles are up to technical and environmental standards. Insurance and temporary import documents will also be required.

The procedures will take a maximum of five days.

These cars will be allowed a maximum stay of 30 days in Vietnam, with an extra 10 days allowed under force majeure.

Drivers’ infringing on traffic regulations will be dealt with under Vietnamese traffic laws, according to the decree.

Traffic in Vietnam follows a right-hand traffic system which is different from several countries in the region like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.